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Adrian, Hanley among seven Dodgers in Classic

Adrian Gonzalez, Luis Cruz and Fernando Valenzuela are proud and excited to represent their country, Mexico, in the World Baseball Classic

By Ken Gurnick
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MLB.com |

LOS ANGELES -- Seven current Dodgers, including All-Stars Hanley Ramirez and Adrian Gonzalez, were among the players announced Thursday as participants in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Ramirez, the Dodgers' starting shortstop, is listed as a third baseman on the Dominican Republic squad. Gonzalez will be the first baseman for Team Mexico and will be joined by Dodgers third baseman Luis Cruz. Broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela will be a coach for Mexico.

Nick Punto is listed as a utility man on Team Italy, while reliever Ronald Belisario will be in the bullpen of Team Venezuela and Paco Rodriguez in the bullpen for Team Spain. Minor League infielder Felipe Burin will represent Panama. Right-handed reliever Peter Moylan, whose agreement to a Minor League deal with the Dodgers has not yet been confirmed, will pitch for Australia.

The Dodgers will play host to Mexico's squad in an exhibition game on March 6 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ari. No Dodgers will play for Team USA.

Ramirez, acquired last summer from the Marlins, had expressed his desire to play shortstop for his homeland. Listed at shortstop on the Dominican roster are Jose Reyes, Erick Aybar and Miguel Tejada.

Gonzalez, acquired last summer from Boston, will be making his third appearance for Team Mexico, having played in 2006 and 2009.

"I am very excited and happy to participate in the 2013 World Baseball Classic," Gonzalez said when he committed to playing last month. "We are all preparing to represent Mexico as best we can. We're going all in and with everything we've got so our country can be proud of the talent that's in Mexican baseball. '¡Si se puede!'"

Valenzuela also coached for Team Mexico in 2006 and 2009. Mexico reached the second round of the tournament in San Diego in 2009.

"It makes me very proud that the Dodgers will represent Mexico," said Valenzuela. "I think it's special for our fans, because many are from Mexico, have family there or are of Mexican descent. It's important for me to be a part of this, and I'm excited to coach and to support our guys who will be playing on the team."

Cruz will be making his second appearance for Team Mexico, having participated in 2006. Although he played third base for the Dodgers, he is listed as a shortstop for Team Mexico.

"It means a lot to me to play for Mexico in the WBC," Cruz said. "For me, it's a big honor to be a Dodger, and now, to be able to play for my country as a Dodger is just a dream. I'm just very happy and thankful."

Punto was acquired from Boston in the Gonzalez blockbuster trade. He played all four infield positions last year. Belisario posted a trouble-free comeback season in 2012 after missing the 2011 season because of a failed drug test. Rodriguez, the first player from last year's Draft to reach the Major Leagues, will compete for a Major League job this Spring.

The sidearming Moylan has been battling injuries and was non-tendered by Atlanta. Burin was signed after spending four seasons in the Seattle Mariners organization.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.